fearnought

American  

[feer-nawt] / ˈfɪərˌnɔt /

Or fearnaught

noun

1. a stout woolen cloth for overcoats.

2. an outer garment of this cloth.

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fearnought British  

/ ˈfɪəˌnɔːt /

noun

1. a heavy woollen fabric

2. a coat made of such fabric

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Etymology

Origin of fearnought

First recorded in 1765–75; fear + nought

Example Sentences

He had donned his best in honour of the occasion—a coarse suit of fearnought serges, quaintly cut, and an ancient top hat, set at a rakish angle.

From The Brassbounder A Tale of the Sea by Bone, David W.

From hatchways fore and aft, seamen clad in grey fearnought coats came tumbling on deck, greeting the British with jibes and laughter.

From The Submarine Hunters A Story of the Naval Patrol Work in the Great War by Hodgson, Edward S.

"Ay, but, my young fearnought," replied the falconer, "the friend will scarce be the better of being beside Father Ambrose—he may come by the redder's lick, and that is ever the worst of the battle."

From The Abbot by Scott, Walter, Sir

Other dark figures now appeared from time to time, bending their steps in the same direction,—some sturdy farmer in his fearnought coat, or two of the school-boys with their arms round each other.

From Say and Seal, Volume II by Warner, Susan

"Bravo!" exclaimed the skipper as a brawny bluejacket kicked off his sea-boots and, without attempting to rid himself of his fearnought coat and sweater, plunged overboard.

From The Fight for Constantinople A Story of the Gallipoli Peninsula by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)